Watch Murdered For Being Different

In the year 2017, a British television movie titled Murdered For Being Different premiered on BBC Three. Directed by Paul Andrew Williams and written by Nick Leather, the 1 hour and 15 minute-long drama is based on the real-life hate crime that took place in 2007 in Lancashire, United Kingdom. The movie revolves around the story of Sophie Lancaster (played by Abigail Lawrie) and Robert Maltby (played by Nico Mirallegro), both teenagers who fell in love despite their odd and alternative appearances. Sophie was a goth while Robert was a punk. They were often bullied and harassed by a group of teenage boys from their neighborhood who disapproved of their style and interests.

One night, while walking back from a park in Bacup, Sophie and Robert were viciously attacked by a group of young boys led by a 17-year-old named Brendan Harris (played by Jake Davies). The boys kicked and beat Sophie and Robert until they fell unconscious. The attack was so brutal that it left both teenagers in comas. While Robert eventually regained consciousness and recovered from his injuries, Sophie remained in a coma and later died from her injuries.

The movie explores the aftermath of the attack and the impact it had on Sophie and Robert's families and the community. Sophie's mother Sylvia (played by Chanel Cresswell) and Robert's mother Joanne (played by Sally Lindsay) struggle to cope with the thought of their children being targeted and attacked for being different. They also face challenges in getting justice for their children as the British legal system at the time had no provisions for hate crimes.

As the trial begins, the movie highlights the prejudices and biases that exist in society towards people who are perceived as being different. The prosecutor, played by Sophie McShera, makes a compelling argument for the inclusion of hate crime in the British legal system. The defense, led by Harris' lawyer, played by Gary Oliver, tries to argue that the attack was not motivated by hate or prejudice but rather by a drunken fight that got out of hand.

Throughout the movie, flashbacks are shown of Sophie and Robert's relationship, the moments leading up to the attack, and the reactions of the community towards their appearance. These scenes provide a nuanced understanding of the characters and their motivations. The movie also features interviews with the families, the detectives who investigated the case, and the doctors who treated Sophie and Robert. These interviews add depth to the story and highlight the devastating impact of hate crimes on individuals and families.

Despite the tragic subject matter, Murdered For Being Different is a powerful and important movie that raises awareness about hate crimes and their impact on society. The movie is well-written and well-acted, with the performances of Chanel Cresswell and Abigail Lawrie being particularly noteworthy. The movie honors the memory of Sophie Lancaster and serves as a reminder of the importance of acceptance and inclusivity.

Murdered For Being Different is a 2017 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 1 minute. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7.